A/N: Thank you for your support. I apologize for the short chapter.
*
Days later, as instructed, Hinata glanced at her reflection in the glass as she sat in a booth patiently waiting for Sasuke to arrive as a mug of steaming tea slowly lost its warmth. She silently observed her features: the slight dark circles under her eyes, her rounded; rosy cheeks, a newly formed double chin, and a slightly pudgy belly. Absentmindedly, Hinata placed a hand on it. The new found roundness bringing her a foreign sense of comfort. The waitress returned with fresh tea.
"Would you like a refill, miss?" the slightly older woman asked.
"No thank you, I've barely touched it,"Hinata replied warmly.
"Would you like to order something?"
"Let's see here. I would like a burger with everything, fries, lemonade and some sticky buns. "
"I'll get that to you right away."
She silently watched as the pale pink uniform and white running shoes disappeared behind the white counter , which was filled with chatty customers enjoying their individual meals. The woman wore a black name tag with the name Kurenai writen in white, blocky lettering. The contrast of her dark hair and brilliant, red eyes made her stand out in such a mundane, bland diner. Hinata was in such deep thought , she didn't notice when Sasuke slid into the opposite side of the booth. A sudden whistle alerted her to his presence.
Sasuke was dressed completely differently from his usual attire. His signature raven tresses were hidden beneath a tan ball cap. A denim jacket, white tshirt, black jeans, sunglasses, and white tennis shoes completed his "civillian" ensemble. He called out to a young waitress. She sauntered over and placed a smile on her face. She took his order despite obvious anger bubbling beneath the surface. When she finally left to fill his order, Sasuke turned to her.
" I wanted to tell you something before you heard about it in the media,"he began.
"Oh kay?" she answered quizzically.
"My wife and I are getting back together," he said plainly.
"W-wife? You- you had a wife?" she studdered as tears pricked the corners of her eyes.
"Listen I-
"You're a real bastard," Hinata whispered.
She grabbed her purse and was about to storm out when she was suddenly assaulted by paparazzi. She pulled her jacket around her head as she ran to her car. She pulled off and went to her room. Briefly glancing in the rearview mirror she could see the camera lights in the distance. as she sped away.
"Tomorrow will be better,"she thought.
Sasuke smiled at the spectacle as Kurenai, who had just brought Hinata's order, glared at him. He looked up her his smile widening as ge observed Kurenai's expression. He chuckled darkly. He placed a wad of cash on the table and told get to keep the change. He left a business card on the table.
"You give me a call if you want to work somewhere besides this dump," Sasuke said to an angry Kurenai before turning to leave.
Kurenai stared after his retreating form with intense disdain. She pocketed the wad of money and began clearing the table.
"How did such a sweet girl end up with a low life like that?" Kurenai thought.
*
Hinata clutched the key card in her hand as she counted the numbers until she reached her room. Room 641 was only a few more doors away. She stepped inside ,closed the door, and collapsed on the floor. Anger, pain ,and embarassment flooded her system. She removed her clothes and hurried to the bathroom, eager to scrub away the recent events.